Sam Houston Jones State Park offers cabin and yurt camping approximately 30 miles northwest of Bell City, Louisiana. The campground sits at an elevation just above sea level in a subtropical climate zone that experiences mild winters and hot, humid summers. The park features a recently remodeled camping area with full hookups and large sites.
What to do
Hiking trails for wildlife spotting: At Sam Houston Jones State Park, visitors can explore multiple hiking paths. One camper noted, "I saw a couple of lounging alligators, egrets, snapping turtles, deer, and a chipmunk!" The park has warning signs about alligators on trails, so maintain awareness when walking.
Fishing access: Myers Landing and RV Park provides lakeside access for anglers. The park sits directly on Lake Arthur, with one visitor sharing: "The campground is very nice, the lakeside is beautiful, we loved the little market right in the front by the lake."
Kayaking and canoeing: Water recreation options include paddling on the rivers and waterways. According to one camper at Sam Houston Jones State Park, "The river walk from the campground is really nice." The park's location, surrounded by water on multiple sides, makes it ideal for water activities.
What campers like
Large, modernized sites: Lakeview Park in Eunice provides spacious sites with good access. As one visitor explained, "Our site was gravel and grass, pretty level. Our camper is 27 ft and it fit nicely, though larger ones would have problems."
Clean facilities: Despite various ages of facilities, cleanliness remains a priority. One camper stated about Sam Houston Jones State Park: "The State Park was clean, grass was cut, workers always walking around picking up trash." Another mentioned, "Showers are clean and hot but pressure is lacking."
Weekend entertainment: Lakeview Park offers social activities beyond nature experiences. A camper reported, "The park management were very sweet and helpful... Amenities include a fishing pond, a swimming pond with inflatables, playground, store, and a dance/concert barn with live music."
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have issues with water quality. At Myers Landing, one camper noted, "The water smelled very badly like metal and we had to turn it off and use our own tank water since it smelled so yucky."
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven sites at some facilities. At Sam Houston Jones, a visitor reported, "Most of the campground is not level, but nothing bad enough that you can't get level with blocks."
Weekend crowds and noise levels: Jean LaFitte RV Park offers a different experience from state parks. One visitor described it as, "Beyond Thunderdome... This is not the kind of RV park where merry couples are enjoying their retirement. Instead, it is a place where hard-working people are doing their best to get by."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Many glamping sites close to Bell City, Louisiana offer water activities specifically designed for families. One visitor to Lakeview Park shared, "Had such a great and relaxing time! Rented the kayak for an hour multi times. Water is cold and refreshing."
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer designated play areas. A visitor at Lakeview Park mentioned amenities including "a fishing pond, a swimming pond with inflatables, playground, store, and a very clean laundromat and bathhouse."
Golf cart management: At some parks, supervising children using recreational vehicles is important. One camper at Lakeview Park observed, "It was pretty busy, with many people gathered and partying. Kids driving crazy on golf carts."
Tips from RVers
Utility connections: Check hookup locations before setting up. At Lakeview Park, one RVer advised, "Be sure to bring extra sewer hose, the sewer is a far reach!"
Monthly rates for longer stays: For extended glamping near Bell City, Louisiana, some parks offer monthly rates. A visitor at Little Lake Charles Resort shared, "We stayed there for two months. Paid 650 per month. Electric, water, sewer, WiFi."
Laundry facilities: When camping with family, laundry access becomes important. One camper noted about Little Lake Charles Resort, "Love the laundry mat lol is a blessing when you have kids in the pool everyday."
